Game machine, slot machine, and game program

ABSTRACT

The present invention provides a game machine, slot machine, and game program in which, if a game state is for a normal game, an evaluation is made to determine if at least one bonus symbol will be statically displayed or is statically displayed in a display module so that a condition needed for starting a bonus game is met. If the condition is met, a possible payout value that can be awarded to the player as payout in the bonus game is displayed before the bonus game is started. The game machine of the present invention increases a player&#39;s curiosity by displaying a possible payout value that can be awarded to the player as a payout for a bonus game before starting the bonus game.

TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to a game machine and a gameprogram displaying, before a bonus game starts, the possible payoutvalue that can be awarded to a player as payout in the bonus game.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Conventional game machines provide, in addition to normal games,bonus games that are more likely to be advantageous to a player ascompared to normal games. In addition to providing an attractive game,bonus games provide differences from normal games such as increased winrates and higher payouts for wins. As a result, the player generallyexperiences a high degree of anticipation for bonus games.

[0003] Another conventional game machine displays a number or amultiplication factor in a symbol display region. The number ormultiplication factor serves as a wild symbol, and the number is addedto or the multiplication factor is multiplied to the payout whichcorresponds to the symbols lined up on a win line.

[0004] A conventional game machine is disclosed in JapaneseUtility-Model Laid-Open Publication Number Hei 520383, for example.

[0005] However, game machines are not known that indicate the payoutvalue that can be obtained by the player in a bonus game. In particular,there are no game machines that indicate the payout values that theplayer can obtain in a bonus game based on the total bet count. Thus, aplayer's curiosity can be increased further by displaying, before abonus game, the payout value that can be obtained by the player in thebonus game.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0006] The object of the present invention is to increase the player'scuriosity by displaying, before a bonus game, the payout value that canbe obtained in the bonus game by the player.

[0007] In order to achieve the object described above, a game machine ofthe present invention provides a normal game and a bonus game having ahigh probability of being advantageous to a player. The game machineincludes: a display module that, at a start of a game, provides achanging display of symbols that were in a static state in a pluralityof display regions, the symbols are capable of changing continuously toother or various symbols, including a bonus symbol, and that provides astatic display in which the symbols in the changing display state arestopped and are statically displayed in the display regions; and anevaluation module that determines, if a game state is the normal gamestate, whether or not at least one of the bonus symbols that is or willbe displayed statically meets conditions for starting the bonus game. Ifthe condition is met, the display module displays the possible payoutvalue that can be awarded to the player as payout for the bonus gamebefore the bonus game starts.

[0008] Thus, when it is determined that the above condition is met, adisplay is provided before the bonus game of a possible payout valuethat can be awarded to the player as the bonus game payout. Thus, theplayer knows ahead of time the payout value that can be obtained in thebonus game. As a result, the player's anticipation and curiosityregarding the bonus game is increased, and this heightens the player'sinterest in the game.

[0009] According to another aspect, in a game machine according to thepresent invention, the possible value for the payout value to be awardedto the player is identified as a value range.

[0010] Since the possible payout value that can be obtained is indicatedas a value range, the player knows ahead of time the payout value thatcan be obtained in the bonus game. A payout range is a numerical rangedefined by a lower limit and an upper limit, e.g., “30-100”. As aresult, the player's anticipation and curiosity regarding the bonus gameis increased, and the player's interest in the game is heightened.

[0011] According to another aspect, in a game machine according to thepresent invention, the possible value for the payout value to be awardedto the player is identified as a plurality of independent values.

[0012] Since the possible payout values that can be obtained areindicated as multiple independent values, the player knows the payoutvalues that can be obtained in the bonus game ahead of time. Multiple,independent values are independent numerical values unrelated to eachother, e.g., “30”, “50”, and “100”. As a result, the player'santicipation and curiosity regarding the bonus game are increased, andthe player's curiosity regarding the game is heightened.

[0013] According to another aspect, in a game machine according to thepresent invention, the possible value for the payout value is defined asa value expressed using an addition or multiplication operator.

[0014] Since the possible payout value that can be obtained is definedas a value notation using the addition or multiplication operator, theplayer is able to easily predict the size of the payout value that canbe obtained in the bonus game. As a result, the player's anticipationand curiosity regarding the bonus game is increased, and the player'scuriosity regarding the game is heightened.

[0015] According to another aspect, in a game machine according to thepresent invention, the display module displays the possible value forthe payout value to be awarded to the player and also displays the bonussymbol in the display region at which the bonus symbol was displayed.

[0016] Since the possible payout value that can be obtained is displayedalong the with the bonus symbols in the display regions displaying thebonus symbol, the player can directly see the size of the payout valuethat can be obtained in the bonus game. As a result, the player'santicipation and curiosity regarding the bonus game are increased, andthe player's curiosity regarding the game is heightened.

[0017] According to another aspect, in a game machine according to thepresent invention, the possible value for the payout value displayedalong with the bonus symbol is changed according to a number of betsmade by the player.

[0018] Thus, the payout value that can be obtained that is displayedalong with each bonus symbol changes according to the player's betcount. For example, if the bet count increases by a multiplicationfactor of 2 or 3, the possible payout values are correspondingly doubledor tripled. The higher the bet count is, the greater the payout from thebonus game, thereby making the player tend to set a higher bet count. Asa result, the player's anticipation and curiosity regarding the bonusgame is increased, and the player's curiosity regarding the game isheightened.

[0019] According to another aspect, a slot machine according to thepresent invention includes a game machine as described above wherein thepossible value for the payout value displayed along with the bonussymbol corresponds to a number of win lines selected ahead of time bythe player.

[0020] Thus, the possible payout value displayed along with each bonussymbol corresponds to the number of win lines selected ahead of time bythe player. For example, if the number of win lines selected ahead oftime by the player is doubled or tripled, the possible payout values arecorrespondingly doubled or tripled. Since the higher the number of winlines selected by the player ahead of time, the larger the possiblepayout value in the bonus game. Therefore, the player tends to select alarger number of win lines. As a result, the player's anticipation andcuriosity regarding the bonus game is increased, thus heightening theplayer's interest in the game.

[0021] According to another aspect, a game program according to thepresent invention is a computer-executable game program providing anormal game and a bonus game having a high probability of beingadvantageous to a player. A computer-readable medium encoded withprocessing instructions can implement a method for providing thecomputer-executable game program. The game program includes: anoperation for displaying a symbol in each of a plurality of displayregions in a game display module; an operation for providing, at a startof a game, a changing display of symbols that were in a static state ina plurality of display regions, the symbols are capable of changingcontinuously to other or various symbols, including a bonus symbol, andfor providing a static display stopping the symbols in the changingdisplay state and statically displaying the symbols in the displayregions; an operation for evaluating, if a game state is in the normalgame state, whether or not at least one of the bonus symbols that is orwill be displayed statically meets conditions for starting the bonusgame; an operation for calculating a possible payout value that can beawarded to the player as payout for the bonus game before the bonus gamestarts if the condition is met as a result of the evaluation; and anoperation for displaying results of the calculation on the game machinedisplay module before the bonus game is begun.

[0022] Thus, when it is determined that the above condition is met, adisplay is provided before the bonus game of a possible payout valuethat can be awarded to the player as the bonus game payout. Thus, theplayer knows ahead of time the payout value that can be obtained in thebonus game. As a result, the player's anticipation and curiosityregarding the bonus game is increased, and this heightens the player'sinterest in the game.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0023]FIG. 1 is a perspective drawing showing the exterior of a gamemachine according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0024]FIGS. 2A and 2B are block diagrams showing the electronicarchitecture of a game machine according to the embodiment of FIG. 1;

[0025]FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing the operations performed by a gamemachine according to the embodiment of FIG. 1;

[0026]FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing the operations performed by a gamemachine according to the embodiment of FIG. 1;

[0027]FIG. 5 is a drawing showing a sample display of a symbol displaymodule;

[0028]FIG. 6 is a drawing showing a sample display of a symbol displaymodule;

[0029]FIG. 7 is a drawing showing a sample display of a symbol displaymodule;

[0030]FIG. 8 is a drawing showing a sample display of a symbol displaymodule;

[0031]FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the operations performed by a gamemachine according to another embodiment of the present invention;

[0032]FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the operations performed by a gamemachine according to the embodiment of FIG. 9;

[0033]FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing the operations performed by a gamemachine according to the embodiment of FIG. 9;

[0034]FIG. 12 is a drawing showing a sample display of a symbol displaymodule;

[0035]FIG. 13 is a drawing showing a sample display of a symbol displaymodule; and

[0036]FIG. 14 is a drawing showing a sample display of a symbol displaymodule.

LIST OF DESIGNATORS

[0037]1: game machine; 7: symbol display module; 30: CPU; 31: ROM; 32:RAM; 81-83: bonus symbol; 100-102: bonus symbol

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0038] Embodiment of FIGS. 1-4

[0039] A game machine according to an embodiment of the presentinvention provides a normal game and a bonus game that is more likely tobe advantageous to the player compared to the normal game. When the gamemachine is in the normal game state, the condition for starting a bonusgame is met when at least one bonus symbol is statically displayed in adisplay module. When it is determined that this condition is met, thepossible payout that can be awarded to the player as the bonus gamepayout is displayed before the start of the bonus game.

[0040] In this embodiment, an example of the condition needed forstarting a bonus game is for three mole nest symbols to be displayed inthe display module, which has five reels. As shown in FIG. 6, when afirst reel 71 through fifth reel 75 have stopped and three mole nestsymbols 81-83 appear, the next game will be a bonus game. If the resultsare determined ahead of time by random selection, it is known before thereels actually stop whether or not the above condition is met.

[0041] In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 6, the possible payoutvalues that the player can be awarded as a bonus game payout aredisplayed on each of the mole nest symbols. In FIG. 6, the mole nestsymbol 81 displays “30”, the mole nest symbol 82 displays “50”, and themole nest symbol 83 displays “100”. These payout values signify that 30,50, or 100 coins can be obtained. As a result, the player is able toknow ahead of time the possible payout value that can be obtained in thebonus game.

[0042] The present invention can be implemented for any device (e.g., adevice that provides a game) that can display symbols. This embodimentpresents a game machine that provides a changing display in the vertical(horizontal is also possible) display of multiple types of symbols andprovides a static display of the changing symbols based on the resultsof an internal random selection. For the section of the game machinethat displays the symbols in a changing manner, a mechanical reel can beused. Alternatively, video reels can be used, where symbols aredisplayed in a changing manner as images on a liquid crystal display orthe like. In addition to game machines, e.g., slot machines installed inpachinko parlors, where a player actively operates a stop button todetermine a stopping timing and a stopping sequence for the reels, thepresent invention can also be implemented for game machines, e.g., inpachinko machines and slot machines in casinos, where the reelsautomatically stop in sequence regardless of the player's intentions.This embodiment presents an example in which the present invention isimplemented for a video slot machine.

[0043] In this embodiment, coins are used as examples of game prizes,but the present invention is not restricted to this and any medium,e.g., pachinko balls, that can provide game value can be used. Thepresent invention can be implemented for any game machine which providesboth normal games and bonus games. The present invention can beimplemented on any game machine, e.g., a game machine providing cardgames, as long as there are both normal games and bonus games.

[0044] In FIG. 1, a game machine 1 includes a case 2 and a front panel 3attached to the front of the case 2 so that it can open and close. Asymbol display module 7, disposed behind the front panel 3, is formedfrom a liquid crystal panel or a CRT (Cathode-Ray Tube) and displayscolumns of symbols, e.g., five columns. This embodiment uses videoreels. A program is executed and five reels are displayed in the symboldisplay module 7.

[0045] As shown in FIG. 5 through FIG. 7, the symbol display module 7includes five reels that display symbols in a changing and static mannerin columns (vertically, with respect to the game machine). Morespecifically, there is a first reel 71, a second reel 72, a third reel73, a fourth reel 74, and a fifth reel 75. Symbols can be changingly andstatically displayed on each reel.

[0046] The symbol display module 7 contains bonus symbols rendering molenests, wild symbols, and various other symbols. As described above,multiple types of symbols are changingly displayed vertically, and thenthe changing symbols are statically displayed based on internal randomselection results.

[0047] On the front of the case 2, there is disposed a coin depositopening 10 and a coin return button 10 a for getting coins back when adeposited coin is stuck or the like. A start lever 11 is a lever forstarting the spinning display (changing display) on the symbol displaymodule 7.

[0048] The game on the game machine 1 is started when the playerperforms a bet operation and a valid win line is established. A win lineis a line where a win is established when a predetermined combination ofsymbols is arranged on the line. Different types of win line settingsare possible, e.g., a horizontal center line, upper and lower horizontallines, and diagonal lines. A bet operation takes place when a coin isdropped into the coin deposit opening 10, described later, or when astored coin deposit button 21 is used to bet a stored coin. A betoperation is also possible by combining these bet operations.

[0049] As described above, the win line can be set up ahead of time atthe start of a game. Alternatively, wins can be established based on apredetermined arrangement of symbols. For example, in this embodiment, abonus game is won if three bonus symbols are displayed in any threeregions in the symbol display module 7. When wins can be established inthis manner based on a predetermined symbol arrangement unrelated to thewin line, wins can be established with a greater degree of freedomcompared to when a win line is set up ahead of time in a fixed manner.This also increases the player's anticipation.

[0050] When a win line is set up by a player's bet operation and thestart lever 11 is operated, the symbol display module 7 displays symbolsin a changing manner. Then, when a predetermined period of time haselapsed, the symbol display module 7 sequentially displays thechangingly displayed symbols in a static manner. The stopping sequencecan be, for example, from left to right when facing the symbol displaymodule 7. When stopping, the stopping operations are separated by a timeinterval, e.g., 0.5 seconds. If, in this stopped state, a predeterminedsymbol combination is displayed on a win line, a win corresponding tothe predetermined symbol combination is obtained.

[0051] A coin deposit opening 15 and a coin holding tray 16 are disposedbelow the front panel 3. Above the front panel 3 is disposed a gameeffects display 17, which is driven to provide game effects. The gameeffects display 17 can be formed from an LCD (Liquid Crystal Device),various types of lamps, or the like. In this embodiment, an LCD is used.Also, a bonus game display 18 is disposed above the front panel 3. Thebonus game display 18 is formed from LED's (Light Emitting Diodes) andis used when the player is awarded a win or a bonus that gives theplayer a high game value, as well as for game effects and when an errortakes place. A speaker 19 generates voice instructions, music, soundeffects, and the like. When a bonus is won, the game proceeds in amanner that is advantageous to the player, e.g., the win rate becomes1/3.

[0052] Multiple lamps 20 disposed on the front panel 3 can be lit up,turned off, and made to blink in order to provide game-related displayoperations, e.g., displaying the active win lines based on the number ofdeposited coins (or the number of credits that were bet), displayingwins, and the like. The stored coin deposit button 21 is a button forusing a predetermined number of coins stored (credited) in a coinstorage device not shown in the figure. A stored coin deposit button 22is a button for using the maximum allowable number of coins stored inthe coin storage device not shown in the figure. A coin storage countdisplay module 23 displays the number of coins stored in a the coinstorage display, not shown in the figure. A win count display module 24displays the number of remaining rounds, the number of wins, and thelike when a bonus prize is won. A coin payout count display module 25displays the number of coins paid out and the like. The coin storagecount display module 23, the win count display module 24, and the coinpayout count display module 25 can be formed, for example, from LED's.An accounts button 26 is for settling accounts with regard to the storedcoins. A locking device 27 locks or unlocks a door depending on thedirection in which it is turned. A label 28 indicates the type of thegame machine 1, the name of the manufacturer, or the like.

[0053]FIGS. 2A and 2B are drawings showing the electronic architectureof the game machine according to this embodiment. As shown in FIGS. 2Aand 2B, electronically, the game machine 1 is formed from a mainsubstrate A (FIG. 2A) and a sub-substrate B (FIG. 2B). The mainsubstrate A is equipped with a CPU 30, a ROM 31, and a RAM 32 andperforms control operations according to a program set up ahead of time.The ROM 31 contains a control program for controlling the operations ofthe game machine 1 as well as information such as a prize groupselection table used to determine prize groups ahead of time (internalrandom selection). The CPU 30, the ROM 31, and the RAM 32 form anevaluation module.

[0054] The CPU 30 is connected to a clock generator circuit 33generating a reference clock pulse and a random number generator circuit34 generating a fixed random number. Control signals sent from the CPU30 are sent by way of an output port 35 to a coin payout device 36paying out coins and a display control circuit 37 controlling the symboldisplay module 7. The symbol display module 7 and the display controlcircuit 37 form a display module.

[0055] Signals from a coin evaluation device 38 evaluating whether ornot coins are appropriate, a payout coin counter 40 counting the numberof coins to pay out, and a start lever 41 starting the spinning of thereels are received by the CPU 30 by way of an input port 43. Signalsoutput from the CPU 30 are controlled by a transmission timing controlcircuit 45 controlling the timing of signal transmission to thesub-substrate B and are sent to the sub-substrate B by way of a datatransmission circuit 46.

[0056] In the sub-substrate B, signals output from the data transmissioncircuit 46 are received by a data input circuit 47. Signals received bythe data input circuit 47 are processed by a CPU 48. The CPU 48 isconnected to a clock generator circuit 49 generating a reference clockpulse, a control/image ROM 50 containing various programs and imagedata; and a RAM 51. Image-related data is sent from the CPU 48 to aliquid crystal display 53 by way of a display circuit 52 performingimage processing. The liquid crystal display 53 displays text, images,and animation. Audio-related data is sent from the CPU 48 to anamplifier circuit 56 by way of a sound LSI (Large Scale IntegratedCircuit) 54 performing audio processing. The sound LSI 54 extractsnecessary audio data from an audio ROM 55 when processing audio data.The audio data is amplified by the amplifier circuit 56 and is sent to aspeaker 58 by way of an audio adjustment circuit 57 performing audioadjustments.

[0057] Next, the operations performed by this embodiment described abovewill be described. FIG. 3 and FIG. 4 are flowcharts showing thecharacteristic operations performed by a game machine according to thisembodiment. Also, FIG. 5 through FIG. 7 show sample displays on thesymbol display module 7.

[0058] First, there is a normal game start operation in the form ofplayer input (step S1). In this case, as described above, the win lineis established by the player's bet operation, and the start lever 11 isthen operated. In this embodiment, as described above, wins can beestablished not only with a win line set up ahead of time at the startof a game but also based on the arrangement of bonus symbols. Since awin can be established based on the arrangement of bonus symbols in thismanner, there is a greater degree of freedom in wins compared to whenwins can only be established with a win line set up ahead of time. As aresult, the player's anticipation is increased.

[0059] Next, random values are obtained to be used for stopping numbersof the first reel 71 through the fifth reel 75 (step S2), and the firstreel 71 through the fifth reel 75 begin spinning (step S3). At thispoint, the symbol display module 7 is as shown in FIG. 5, where symbolsappear to be spinning and changing in the display regions of the reels.The direction in which the reels spin can be, for example, from top tobottom or from bottom to top. Also, the spinning does not need to bealong the vertical direction. It is possible for the reels to bearranged horizontally so that they spin from left to right or from rightto left.

[0060] Next, the spinning of the first reel 71 through the fifth reel 75is stopped sequentially (step S4). In this case, stopping takes place insequence from the first reel 71 to the fifth reel 75, separated bypredetermined intervals. The intervals can be, for example, 0.5 seconds.Next, an evaluation is made to see if there is a normal game win as wellas whether there are three mole nest symbols in the symbol displaymodule 7 (step S5). If three mole nest symbols did not appear, controlproceeds to step S14.

[0061] As shown in FIG. 6, if three mole nest symbols 81-83 appear inthe symbol display module 7, the game changes from a normal game to abonus game (step S6). In this case, the values displayed along with thethree mole nest symbols appearing in the symbol display module 7 arecarried over to the bonus game (step S7). More specifically, the valuesdisplayed along with the three mole nest symbols indicate the possiblepayout value that can be obtained by the player in the subsequent bonusgame. Since the payout value that can be obtained is displayed alongwith the bonus symbol, the player is able to directly see the size ofthe payout value that can be obtained in the bonus game.

[0062] In this embodiment, the possible payout values that can beawarded to the player are indicated as multiple, independent values.More specifically, the symbol 81 indicates “30”, the symbol 82 indicates“50”, and the symbol 83 indicates “100”. Since the possible payoutvalues are indicated as multiple, independent values, the player knowsahead of time the possible payout values that can be obtained in thebonus game. In addition to using multiple independent values to indicatepossible payout values, it would also be possible to indicate possiblepayout value ranges, e.g., “30-100”, on the mole nest symbols.

[0063] Next, player performs a bonus game starting operation (step S8).The player performs a bet operation again, and the numbers renderedalong with the images of mole nests in the mole nest symbols changecorresponding to the number of bets. More specifically, in FIG. 6, thesymbol 81 displays “30”, the symbol 82 displays “50”, and the symbol 83displays “100”, but if the player triples the number of bets, the symbol81 correspondingly changes to “90”, the symbol 82 changes to “150”, andthe symbol 83 changes to “300”, as shown in FIG. 7.

[0064] In this manner, the bonus game payout value increases when thenumber of bets is higher. This makes the player increase the number ofbets. As a result, the player's anticipation and curiosity regarding thebonus game is heightened. It is also possible to have the possiblepayout values displayed along with the bonus symbols changecorresponding to the number of win lines selected ahead of time by theplayer. More specifically, in FIG. 6, the symbol 81 displays “30”, thesymbol 82 displays “50”, and the symbol 83 displays “100”, but if thenumber of win lines selected ahead of time by the player is tripled, thesymbol 81 can be changed correspondingly to “90”, the symbol 82 can bechanged to “150”, and the symbol 83 can be changed to “300”, as shown inFIG. 7. Since bonus game payouts increase when there are more win linesselected by the player ahead of time, the player tends to set up morewin lines. As a result, the player's anticipation and curiosityregarding the bonus game is increased. As a result, the player is moreinterested in the game.

[0065] A bonus game is started in response to the bonus game startingoperation at step S8, and a random value is obtained for the bonus game(step S9). The symbol display module 7 displays a bonus game screen, asshown in FIG. 8. In this example, an animation is displayed in which amole character 85 passes through one of underground tunnels 86-88 andreaches a goal 89-91 on which payout values are displayed. Morespecifically, the mole character 85 begins burrowing in one of theunderground tunnels 86-88 (step S10). The intermediate sections of thetunnels 86-88 appears as a black box so that the player cannot know whatis happening in the intermediate sections of the tunnels 86-88.

[0066] When the mole character 85 reaches one of the goals 89-91 (stepS11), the payout value to be obtained by the player is established. Morespecifically, the player obtains a payout that is either “90”, “150”, or“300”. The bonus game payout is then displayed (step S12), and the gamechanges from the bonus game to the normal game (step S13). Next, ifthere is a WIN in FIG. 3, this is added directly to the credits (stepS14), and control returns to the calling routine.

[0067] With a game machine according to this embodiment as describedabove, payout values that can be obtained by the player in a bonus gameare displayed before the bonus game starts. As a result, the player'santicipation regarding the bonus game can be increased.

[0068] Embodiment of FIGS. 9-11.

[0069] Next, a game machine according to another embodiment will bedescribed with reference to FIGS. 9-11. The structure of a game machineof this embodiment is similar to that of the embodiment of FIGS. 1-4. Inthe embodiment of FIGS. 9-11, the bonus symbol is a symbol showing ahammer. A bonus game is started when, as shown in FIG. 12, three hammerbonus symbols are statically displayed in the symbol display module 7.The hammer symbols are shown with different colors. In this example,there are two types of hammer symbols: a gold hammer symbol 100 and redhammer symbols 101, 102. The gold hammer symbol 100 doubles the payoutvalue obtained by the player. With the red hammer symbols 101, 102 thepayout value is multiplied by 1, i.e., the red hammer symbols do notchange the payout value. The display of the gold and red hammer symbolsin the symbol display module 7 is determined by internal randomselection. Thus, there may be cases where three gold hammer symbols aredisplayed, and there may be cases where three red hammer symbols aredisplayed.

[0070] Next, the operations performed by the game machine according tothis embodiment will be described. FIG. 9 through FIG. 11 are flowchartsshowing the characteristic operations performed by the game machineaccording to this embodiment. FIG. 12 through FIG. 14 show sampledisplays on the symbol display module 7.

[0071] In FIG. 9, a normal game starting operation is performed inresponse to player input (step T1). In this case, a win line isestablished by the player's bet operation, and then the start lever 11is operated. In this embodiment, as in the embodiment of FIGS. 1-4, winscan be established based on arrangements of bonus symbols in addition towin lines set up when the game starts. Since a win can be establishedbased on the arrangement of bonus symbols, there is a greater degree offreedom in how wins can be achieved compared with when wins are achievedonly through win lines set up ahead of time. This also increases theplayer's anticipation.

[0072] Next, a random value is obtained to be used for stopping numbersin the first reel 71 through the fifth reel 75 (step T2), and spinningis begun for the first reel 71 through the fifth reel 75 (step T3). Atthis point, the symbol display module 7 provides a display of symbolsspinning and changing in the display regions of the reels, as shown inFIG. 5. In this example, spinning takes place from top to bottom, but itwould also be possible for spinning to be from bottom to top. Also,spinning does not have to be vertical. The reels can be disposedhorizontally so that they spin from left to right or right to left.

[0073] Next, the spinning of the first reel 71 through the fifth reel 75is stopped sequentially (step T4). In this case, the stopping takesplace sequentially going from the first reel 71 to the fifth reel 75,separated by a predetermined time interval. The time interval can be,for example, 0.5 seconds. Next, an evaluation is performed to see ifthere is a normal game win or if there are three hammer bonus symbols(step T5). If three hammer symbols are not present, control proceeds tostep T20.

[0074] If there are three hammer symbols, the game changes from thenormal game to a bonus game as shown in FIG. 10 (step T6). Thecombination of three hammers is carried over to the bonus game (stepT7). In FIG. 12, there a single gold hammer symbol 100 and two redhammer symbols 101, 102, thus providing three hammer symbols.

[0075] When a bonus game is started, the symbol display module 7displays a screen similar to FIG. 13. In FIG. 13, nine holes 105-113 areshown as mole tunnel exits appearing on the ground. The player selectsthe gold hammer symbol 100, and the red hammer symbols 101, 102 and setsup each hammer over one of the holes 105-113. In FIG. 13, the goldhammer symbol 100 is set up over the hole 109 and the red hammer symbols101, 102 are set up over the hole 108 and the hole 112, respectively.

[0076] In the game machine 1 according to this embodiment, the symboldisplay module 7 includes a touch panel. The player touches the screento select a hammer, and one of the holes 105-113 can be selected for theselected hammer. Alternatively, various methods can be used for theon-screen selection, e.g., a pointing device or a cursor.

[0077] Next, a random number is obtained for selecting the hole 105-113from which the mole character will appear, as shown in FIG. 11 (stepT9). Then, the mole is made to emerge (step T10). An evaluation is madeto determine if the mole emerged from the hole 108 or the hole 112 wherethe red hammers are set up (step T11). If the mole did not emerge fromthe hole 108 or the hole 112 where the red hammers are set up, controlproceeds to step T14.

[0078] If the mole emerges from a hole at which a red hammer is set up,an animation is played showing the red hammer hitting the mole at thehole 112, as shown in FIG. 14 (step T12). Then, the payout value isdisplayed (step T13). In FIG. 14, the payout value for the hole 112 isshown as “20”. Next, an evaluation is made to determine if the moleemerged from the hole 109, where the gold hammer is set up (step T14).If the mole did not emerge from the hole 109, where the gold hammer isset up, control proceeds to step T17. If the mole appears from the hole109, where the gold hammer is set up, an animation is shown at the hole109 of FIG. 14 of the mole being hit with the gold hammer (step T15).Since the gold hammer doubles the payout value, a display is providedshowing the payout value for the hole 109 being doubled (step T16). Inthis case, the multiplication operator “x” is used, but it would also bepossible to use the addition operator “+”. Since the possible payoutvalues that can be obtained are defined as expressions using an additionor multiplication operator, the player can easily predict the size ofpossible payout values from the bonus game.

[0079] In FIG. 14, the mole does not emerge from the hole 108, where ared hammer is set up, but a mole emerges from the hole 105, where nohammer is set up. In this case, the player cannot obtain a payout.

[0080] Next, an evaluation is made to determine if all the moles haveemerged (step T17). If all the moles have not emerged, control proceedsto step T9. If all the moles have emerged, the bonus game payout isdisplayed (step T18) and the game shifts from the bonus game to thenormal game (step T19).

[0081] Next, if there is a WIN, the value is added to the credit, asshown in FIG. 9 (step T20), and the procedure returns.

[0082] As described above, with the game machine according to thisembodiment, the gold hammer bonus symbol itself serves to double thepayout value. Thus, if the gold hammer appears, the game shifts to thebonus game, and the gold hammer is able to hit a mole, the payout valueis doubled. As a result, the player's anticipation can be increased.

[0083] The characteristic operations of the present invention describedabove are performed by having a computer execute a control program. Morespecifically, this control program is a game program that allows acomputer to execute and provide a normal game and a bonus game having ahigh probability of being more advantageous to the player compared tothe normal game. The game program provides the following operations inthe form of computer-readable and computer-executable commands: anoperation for displaying symbols in a plurality of display regions in agame machine display module; an operation for, at a start of a game,providing a changing display of the symbols that were in a static statein the plurality of display regions, the symbols are capable of changingcontinuously to other or various symbols, including a bonus symbol, andfor providing a static display stopping the symbols in the changingdisplay state and statically displaying the symbols in the displayregions; an operation for evaluating, if a game state is in the normalgame state, whether or not at least one of the bonus symbols that is orwill be displayed statically meets conditions for starting the bonusgame; an operation for calculating a possible payout value that can beawarded to a player as payout for the bonus game if, as a result of theevaluation, the condition is met; and an operation to display results ofthe calculation on the game display module before the bonus game isstarted.

[0084] As described above, when the above conditions are met, thepossible payout value that can be awarded to the player is displayedbefore the start of the bonus game, allowing the player to know ahead oftime the payout value that can be obtained in the bonus game. As aresult, the player's anticipation and curiosity regarding the bonus gameis increased, thus provoking the player's interest in the game.

[0085] The program described above can be obtained in recorded form on arecording medium, e.g., CD-ROM or DVD. This type of program can also beobtained by receiving a signal sent from a computer serving as atransmission device by way of a transmission medium such as acommunication network formed from public telephone lines, dedicatedphone lines, cable TV lines, and wireless communication lines. Thesignal referred to here is a computer data signal in the form of apredetermined carrier wave containing the program. Regarding thistransmission, it is sufficient for at least one section of the programto be transmitted through the transmission medium. More specifically,the entirety of the data for the above program does not need to bepresent simultaneously in the transmission medium. Also, transmissionmethods for transmitting the program from the computer includetransmitting the data for the program continuously and transmittingintermittently.

ADVANTAGES OF THE INVENTION

[0086] As described above, the game machine of the present invention isa game machine providing a normal game and a bonus game providing ahigher possibility of being more advantageous than the normal game. Adisplay module, at the start of a game, provides a changing display ofthe symbols that were in a static state in the plurality of displayregions, the symbols being capable of changing continuously to other orvarious symbols, including a bonus symbol, and provides a static displaystopping the symbols in the changing display state and staticallydisplaying the symbols in the display regions. An evaluation moduledetermines, if a game state is in the normal game state, whether or notat least one of the bonus symbols that is or will be displayedstatically meets conditions for starting the bonus game. If thecondition is met, the display module displays the possible payout valuethat can be awarded to the player as payout for the bonus game beforethe bonus game starts.

[0087] Since, as described above, when the above conditions are met, thepossible payout value that can be awarded to the player as the bonusgame payout is displayed before the bonus game is started. Thus, theplayer can know beforehand the payout value that can be obtained. As aresult, the player's anticipation and curiosity regarding the bonus gameis increased, and the player's curiosity about the game is provoked.

We claim:
 1. A game machine comprising: a display module that, at astart of a game comprising a normal game and a bonus game having a highprobability of being advantageous to a player, provides a changingdisplay of symbols initially in a static state in a plurality of displayregions, said symbols being capable of changing continuously to othersymbols in said changing display; said display module providing a staticdisplay stopping said symbols in said changing display and staticallydisplaying said symbols in said display regions, said symbols that aredisplayed statically optionally comprising at least one bonus symbolwhen said game is in said normal game; an evaluation module thatdetermines, when said game is in said normal game, whether said at leastone statically displayed bonus symbol meets a condition for startingsaid bonus game; wherein when said condition is met, said display moduledisplays a possible payout value that can be awarded to the player aspayout for said bonus game before said bonus game starts.
 2. The gamemachine, as described in claim 1, wherein said possible payout valuethat can be awarded to the player is identified as a value range.
 3. Thegame machine, as described in claim 1, wherein said possible payoutvalue that can be awarded to the player is identified as a plurality ofindependent values.
 4. The game machine, as described in claim 1,wherein said possible payout value that can be awarded to the player isdefined as a value expressed using one of an addition and amultiplication operator.
 5. The game machine, as described in claim 1,wherein said display module displays said possible payout value that canbe awarded to the player in said display region that is displaying saidstatically displayed bonus symbol.
 6. The game machine, as described inclaim 5, wherein said possible payout value displayed along with saidstatically displayed bonus symbol is changed corresponding to a numberof bets made by the player.
 7. A slot machine for performing a gamecomprising a normal game and a bonus game having a high probability ofbeing advantageous to a player, said slot machine comprising: a displaymodule that, at a start of said game, provides a changing display ofsymbols initially in a static state in a plurality of display regions,said symbols being capable of changing continuously to other symbols insaid changing display; said display module providing a static displaystopping said symbols in said changing display and statically displayingsaid symbols in said display regions, said symbols that are displayedstatically optionally comprising at least one bonus symbol when saidgame is in said normal game; an evaluation module that determines, whensaid game is in said normal game, whether said at least one saidstatically displayed bonus symbol meets a condition for starting saidbonus game; wherein when said condition is met, said display moduledisplays a possible payout value that can be awarded to the player aspayout for said bonus game before said bonus game starts; said displaymodule displays said possible payout value that can be awarded to theplayer and also displays said bonus symbol in said display region thatdisplayed said statically displayed bonus symbol; and said possiblepayout value displayed along with said statically displayed bonus symbolcorresponds to a number of win lines selected ahead of time by theplayer.
 8. A computer-readable medium encoded with processinginstructions for implementing a method for providing a game, said methodcomprising the steps of: displaying a symbol in a static state in eachof a plurality of display regions in a display module; providing, at astart of said game comprising a normal game and a bonus game having ahigh probability of being advantageous to a player, a changing displayof said symbols that were in said static state in said display regions,said symbols changing continuously to various symbols in said changingdisplay; providing a static display stopping said symbols in saidchanging display state and statically displaying said symbols in saiddisplay regions, said statically displayed symbols optionally comprisingat least one statically displayed bonus symbol when said game is in saidnormal game; evaluating, when said game is in said normal game, whethersaid at least one statically displayed bonus symbol meets a conditionfor starting said bonus game; calculating a possible payout value thatcan be awarded to the player as payout for said bonus game before saidbonus game starts when said condition is met as a result of saidevaluation; and displaying results of said calculation on said displaymodule before said bonus game begins.
 9. The game machine, as describedin claim 1, wherein said evaluation module determines, while saidsymbols are in said changing display and when said game is in saidnormal game, whether said at least one statically displayed bonus symbolmeets said condition.
 10. The game machine, as described in claim 9,wherein said possible payout value that can be awarded to the player isidentified as a value range.
 11. The game machine, as described in claim9, wherein said possible payout value that can be awarded to the playeris identified as a plurality of independent values.
 12. The gamemachine, as described in claim 9, wherein said possible payout valuethat can be awarded to the player is defined as a value expressed usingone of an addition and a multiplication operator.
 13. The game machine,as described in claim 9, wherein said display module displays saidpossible payout value that can be awarded to the player in said displayregion that is displaying said statically displayed bonus symbol. 14.The game machine, as described in claim 13, wherein said possible payoutvalue displayed along with said statically displayed bonus symbol ischanged corresponding to a number of bets made by the player.
 15. Theslot machine, as described in claim 7, wherein said evaluation module ofsaid game machine determines, while said symbols are in said changingdisplay and when said game is in said normal game, whether said at leastone statically displayed bonus symbol meets said condition.
 16. Themethod, as described in claim 8, wherein said evaluation step occurswhile said symbols are in said changing display.
 17. A method forproviding a game, said method comprising the steps of: displayingsymbols in a static state in a plurality of display regions;continuously changing said symbols that were in a static state tovarious symbols at a start of said game comprising a normal game and abonus game having a high probability of being advantageous to a player;displaying a changing display of said changing symbols in said displayregions; stopping said symbols in said changing display; displaying astatic display statically displaying said symbols in said displayregions, said statically displayed symbols optionally comprising atleast one statically displayed bonus symbol when said game is in saidnormal game; determining, when said game is in said normal game, whethersaid at least one statically displayed bonus symbol meets a conditionfor starting said bonus game; and displaying, when said condition ismet, a possible payout value that can be awarded to the player as payoutfor said bonus game before said bonus game starts.
 18. The method, asdescribed in claim 17, wherein said determining step occurs while saidsymbols are in said changing display.
 19. The method, as described inclaim 17, wherein said possible payout value that can be awarded to theplayer is identified as a value range.
 20. The method, as described inclaim 18, wherein said possible payout value that can be awarded to theplayer is identified as a Value range.
 21. The method, as described inclaim 17, wherein said possible payout value that can be awarded to theplayer is identified as a plurality of independent values.
 22. Themethod, as described in claim 18, wherein said possible payout valuethat can be awarded to the player is identified as a plurality ofindependent values.
 23. The method, as described in claim 17, whereinsaid possible payout value that can be awarded to the player is definedas a value expressed using one of an addition and a multiplicationoperator.
 24. The method, as described in claim 18, wherein saidpossible payout value that can be awarded to the player is defined as avalue expressed using one of an addition and a multiplication operator.25. The method, as described in claim 17, wherein said possible payoutvalue to be awarded to the player is displayed in said display regionthat is displaying said statically displayed bonus symbol.
 26. Themethod, as described in claim 18, wherein said possible payout valuethat can be awarded to the player is displayed in said display regionthat is displaying said statically displayed bonus symbol.
 27. Themethod, as described in claim 25, further comprising the step ofchanging said possible payout value displayed along with said staticallydisplayed bonus symbol corresponding to a number of bets made by theplayer.
 28. The method, as described in claim 26, further comprising thestep of changing said possible payout value displayed along with saidstatically displayed bonus symbol corresponding to a number of bets madeby the player.